How Things Changed in Moments for Tevin Washington & Logan Thomas

Tevin Washington went from hero to goat within just moments of Monday’s 20-17, overtime AP No. 16/Fansided No. 17 Virginia Tech win over Georgia Tech. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas was the yin to that yang.

Down 14-10 and the triple option offense sputtering most of the night against the Hokies’ tenacious defense, Washington marched the Yellow Jackets down the field in a 7-plus minute drive. Washington sustained said drive with a beautiful, scrambling throw under a great deal of duress that found BJ Bostich, despite there being three Hokie defensive backs in the neighborhood. Washington’s encore was connecting with Deon Hill to score the go-ahead touchdown with under a minute remaining.

The Yellow Jackets appeared headed for an upset win to open the new season — after all, the Georgia Tech had largely held the Hokies in check and kicker Cody Journell had badly shanked a close field goal not long before.

Thomas struggled most of the night, overthrowing countless balls. Each of his touchdown strikes were things of beauty, but were rarities in an otherwise forgettable game. However on that final drive, he connected with Corey Fuller on a driving-saving, slant pattern that set up Journell for redemption and forced overtime.

The Washington who showed poise and confidence that final drive of regulation disappeared for an instant in overtime, but what a critical instant it was. His careless flick toward two Hokie defenders on third down gave away the ball, and the game. Such an ending is amazingly stark contrast to what could have been for Washington had Journell’s field goal missed, or had Thomas overthrown Fuller’s route. Then Washington, 10-15 passing and the Yellow Jackets’ leading rusher on the night, goes out as the hero.

Football success is fleeting, except for a rare few who can sustain greatness. That ability is what makes them great. Neither quarterback’s performance was noteworthy, but in a game of inches one play can extend a mile. Thomas goes out a winner, his Hokies’ BCS title hopes still in tact (for now) and Georgia Tech is already left to play the scoreboard watching game in its division. The script certainly can flip in a moment’s notice.